Montreal Asian Festival – From visual arts to gastronomy

Montreal Asian Festival – The 23rd edition of the Festival Accès Asie started on May 1 and will finish on May 27, an event that has a broad scope in terms of activities. Finishing week 2 of this celebration of Asian culture, this Sunday, there is an opportunity to enjoy the delights of Afghan cuisine. This year, Zabi Enâyat-Zâda, author and speaker, presents Afghan cuisine, its history and many influences. A tasting will follow the conference, which will take place on Sunday, May 13 at 2 p.m. at the restaurant Fenêtre sur Kaboul (901, Rachel East).

On the gastronomy side, the Asian Festival offers the opportunity to taste some Afghan dishes

Entering now its third week, Festival Accès Asie presents the dance show “Sophia’s Resurrection” this coming Thursday, May 17 at 7:30 pm, at the Maison de la culture Ahuntsic, 10300, Lajeunesse (metro Henri-Bourassa). “Sophia’s Resurrection” traces the journey of an immigrant woman facing great adversity. Through the cycle of life, death, resurrection, and transformation, she finds her place in this world. The performers of this dance show are Amrita Choudhury and Mary St-Amand Williamson, accompanied by singer and drum carrier Norman Achneepineskum.

The show “Golestan” that features music and dance, will be staged on Friday, May 18 at 8 pm at Sala Rossa, 4848, St-Laurent (Laurier metro). This show presents “percussionist Ziya Tabassian, the renowned gypsy accordionist of Moldovian origin, Sergiu Popa, along with the great Syrian musicians Omar About Afach on the viola, and Nazih Borish on the laoud. As a special guest for the evening, Marina Salonga – multidisciplinary dancer – will improvise to several songs in a gypsy fusion style.”

“Triangle Courbé” is a dance show where according to the organizers “contemporary dance meets traditional dance. Kim-Sanh Châu, Geneviève Duong and Charo Foo Tai Wei will present personal works followed by an original collective creation.” This event will take place on Saturday, May 19 at 7:30 p.m., at the Maison de la culture Plateau Mont-Royal situated at 465 Mont-Royal East (metro Mont-Royal).

Finally, for this week, people are invited to plunge into this universe and participate in the Indian dance workshop, Expressions & Stories in Motion; where you will discover the basics of Indian Classical & Indian Modern Dance fusion. This free workshop will be animated by Amrita Choudhury on Sunday, May 20 at 3:30 pm at the Maison de la culture Ahuntsic. This workshop is open to all, 12 years and up.

For more detailed information of these events marking the Festival Accès Asie, you can visit www.accesasie.com

Feature image: “Sophia’s Resurrection” is a dance show presented by the Asian Festival this coming week